FOUND THE TRUE YEIN 



A DRAMA, 
IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY 



J^. C. GUNTER 






SAN FIL\NClSCO : 

C. A. MURDOCK & CO., PRINTERS. 
1872. 




^iM^ 




eve/ along which Hampden comes. 

vhich Hampden drsg^ Huntingbn toamdthe exp/osm. 






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jjpff'?:^*^ 




--- _--- _,, — ^ gr rt -.-.., -, ^ . . . ,- ---- ^'CoJ'/^r^'- 

D /"/yf of Boulders tf);)t/s thrown down b^ Explosion- E Barncade put up to imprison Huntington ~¥ Cross cut into wlii<:i> HsmP"^'' 



A incline down wiiich Gsr^eycomes- B Wlwre lluiunigton is imprisoned.- CC 3'^ Level il<>'%^'li^!!,l£ll^^^^^^^ 



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FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 



A DRAMA. 
IN FIVE ACTS, 



BY 



A.. C. GUISrTER 






SAN FRANCISCO : 

C. A. MURDOCK & CO., PRINTERS. 
1872. 



Qm7 



7^\ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 187 1. 

By A. C. GUNTER, 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



CHARACTERS. 



RoBT. Huntington. 

Jasper Harden. 

Jack Hampden. 

Joe Garvey — a stage driver. 

Frislington Simperton — a dandy stock broker. 

Harry Spooxer — an English tourist. 

Albert Stocker, ) ^ i , i 

' >■ stock brokers. 
Henry Fairley, ) 

Holdridge — foreman at the mine. 

Ah Sing — -a Chinaman. '^ 

Alice Huntington — Huntington's daughter. 

Clara Huntington — Huntington's niece. 

Miners, Chinamen, etc. 

Time — present. An elapse of six weeks between end of 
2d and beginning of 3d Act. 
Costumes of the day. 



SYNOPSIS. 



ACT. I. 

The return from Paris. The westward bound Pulman car. 
The secret of the mine. 

ACT II. 

At the CUflf. The engagement. The secret is suspected. 

ACT III. 
Above ground. The secret is disturbed. 

ACT IV. 
Under ground. The secret is discovered. 

ACT V. 
Retribution. 



ACT I. 

SCENE FIRST— Interior of a Palace Car in an Overland 
Excursion Train — Car is represented as standiJig across 
Stage from R. to L.; one half removed to shoiv interior — 
Train stationary — Travelng bags, stools and chairs scat- 
tered about. Spooner at L. seated and reading a paper. Be- 
hind open windoius of car mountain scenery. 

(Ejiter Clara at R. door of car.) 

Clara. Is'nt this provoking ? Here I've come all the 
way to Truckee to meet my cousin that I have'nt seen for 
two years, and my uncle, that I have'nt seen for one, endur- 
ing that Ja-^^per IMarden's protection for ten mortal hours, and 
only to find the train here, and the whole party gone to visit 
Lake Tahoe. That's what comes of their taking advantage 
of an invitation to come over in an excursion train. I won- 
der how Alice looks, now she's been to Paris, and interviewed 
a French milliner. Spoilt I'll bet. If there's one girl im- 
proved by seeing Paris, there's half a dozen ruined by the 
trash the tour to "Yurop" has put into their otherwise empty 
heads. I suppose she speaks nothing but French; most peo- 
ple forget English three months after seeing Paris. Wonder 
if she'll let me kiss her! 'fraid I'll spoil her hat. Oh! those 
dear delightful Parisian hats; wonder if mine's comme il faut; 
and her father, the dear old noodle, he's so wrapt up in that 
girl, that he's left his business in the hands of others and fol- 
lowed her through a year of European dissipation. I'll just 
see if they haven't come back — they should be here presently. 
i^Exii Clara at L. door of car ^ 

Spooxer. By G-e-o-r g-e. That's a deuced line girl. 
Wonder where she came from; have'nt seen her on the train 
before. {Looks after Clara admiringly. Enter Marden at R. 
door of car.) 

Mardex. So I shall soon see Alice! She'll enjoy the 
meeting, doubtless! My plans prosper well. When in Paris 
[two years ago] I first saw you, Alice Huntington; I swore to 



6 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

possess you. You rejected me as coldly as though I were the 
very dust under your dainty feet. That was the first time; two 
years have passed away — in them I have come to San Fran- 
cisco, gained the confidence of your father, Robert Hundng- 
ton, persuaded him to go to Europe for a year, and leave me 
as his agent. In that one year I have made myself master of 
the situadon. I make it appear that he is in my debt, that his 
mine is worth less than nothing. Would that I could make it 
really so; but I cannot, for in the third level of Robert Hunt- 
ington's mine, banked up out of sight of man, and known 
only to me, Jasper Marden, is a deposit of ore that would 
make its owner almost a Rothschild. 

{Enter Robert Huntington at L. door of car,) 

Huntington. Is that you, Harden.? 

Marden. Ah! my old friend. Welcome home. 

Huntington. I'm delighted to get back, but I wish it was 
with better prospects. Is the mine still looking badly.? 

Marden. Is not Miss Alice with you.? 

Huntington. Oh yes, but you avoid my question. Tell me, 
am I a ruined man? 

Marden. Come let's talk it over — not so bad as that, I 
hope. 

{Exii Huntington and Marden at R.) 

Spooner. The old boy has looked blars-ted blue all the 
trip, I wonder what's the row with him. 

{Enter Alice and Clara at L. of car.) 

Clara. So you've had an adventure. 

Alice. Oh! yes, such a delightful one. 

Clara. Then there was a man in it.? 

Alice. In the latter part of it. Yesterday, at the Lake, my 
father and I went riding; he was mounted on an old and slow 
horse, I on a frisky little — what do you call it.? 

Clara. Mustang.? 

Alice, Yes, mustang. He was much too strong for me to 
hold, so he ran away with me. I never saw anything so fright- 
ened as he was, in my life. 

Clara. Except yourself at that same moment. 

Alice. I could hardly keep my seat; in the next instant 
we entered a canon; on one side was a ledge of granite, down 
below me on the other, was a precipice for a thousand feet or 
more, and death. I was already dizzy with the fearful sight 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 7 

and the wild speed at which we were going. In another mo- 
ment I should have fallen, either to be trampled under the 
hoofs of my horse, or to be dashed into nothingness in the 
canon below, when of a sudden I felt the bridle seized and 
the horse thrown on his haunches. He reared up in the air 
and with one wild snort of terror threw himself over the prec- 
ipice; at the same instant an arm of iron was thrown round 
me and I — 

Clara. Screamed.? 
Alice. No, fainted. 

Clara. Of course you fainted. I suppose he was a hand- 
some fellow. 

Alice. Oh Clara, when I came to, I found myself in the 
arms of my father, and a gentleman with the finest eyes I ever 
saw, standing near. 

Clara. Well, what was the romantic hero called.? 
Alice. He gave his name as John Hampden. 
Clara. What! Jack Hampden — ''my Jack!" 
Alice. Your Jack .? Then you know him 1 
Clara. I should think I did; why, everybody knows 
Jack Hampden. 

Alice. (Aside.) What can she mean by calling him her 
Jack } {Aloud.) You have acquired a most familiar way of 
speaking of men, Clara, I am sorry to see. 

Clara. {Aside.) There, didn't I tell you she'd be spoiled. 
There's one of your Parisian ideas cropping out already. 
{Several passengers enter car; some go through the car, and 
Stat themselves about and open books, papers, etc., or look out of 
ivindows of car. Enter Hunting to7i at R. door of car,folloived 
by ]\farden. Clara runs to Huntington, embraces him, and al- 
most knocks Spooner down who has risen and is yawning .) 
Clara. My own, dear uncle ! 

Spooner. I wish I was her uncle, I'd come back from 
Europe every ten minutes. 

{Seats himself R. C.) 

Alice. {Seeing Mar den.) Mr. Harden! 

Marden. Miss Huntington. 

Clara. {Aside to Alice.) You don't seem pleased to re- 
new your Parisian friendship, do you .? 

Huntington. Come Marden, one word more. {Marden 
and Huntington sit at open window of car.) 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN, 

Alice. (A^ L. C.) Clara, you say you know this Mr. 
Hampden. Who is he 1 

( The bell of the locoinotive is heard, and the conductor cries — 
'' all aboard!') 

Clara. Who is he .? Why everybody knows Jack Hamp- 
den. He's the bravest fellow in the world; does not care a 
bit for women — " proof of his sense"; was born and brought 
up a Texan ranger; came across the plains, fought in the 
Mexican war; made some money in the mines — lost it in 
stocks; owns a stage line or two — has killed Apaches by the 
dozen. Who is Jack Hampden .? Why he's the best, the 
bravest, [gesticidaling violentl]') the sweetest, the dearest, {the 
whistle of the locomotive is heard — the whole cars appear to give 
a start, and Clara is thrown off her feet into Spooners lap. 
Alice supports herself by a chair. After this the noise of a 
train attainijig and keeping a high rate of speed is imitated, and 
a movable panorama runs in behind those windows of car that 
are openi) 

Clara. (Springing up) O, please excuse my carelessness. 

Spooner. O, don't mention it; do it again as often as you 
Hke. (Aside.) Devilish free and easy sort of girl. These 
foreigners have some very pleasant customs. 

Alice. Excuse me, Clara. Allow me to introduce to 
you my friend, Mr. Spooner, from England, on a tour of ob- 
servation through the United States. 

Spooner. Oh! most happy Mr. 'Arry Spooner at your 
service; Miss Clara, I believe we had a somewhat closer 
introduction a few seconds ago. 

Clara. Ah! ha! ha! Thank you very much for breaking 
my fall. Then you've never seen California, the big trees 
or the Yosemite.? Oh! Spooner, won't we make you open 
your English eyes. 

Alice. Clara! 

Spooner. Ah-a-h. (Aside.) Very curious gal — very! 

Lady Passenger. Oh! we're running over a precipice. 

Clara. Why we must be going round Cape Horn, 

Spooner. Goodness gracious! Going round Cape Horn. 

1 thought it was in South America. Where's my guide 
book and field glass .? (Opens carpet bag hurriedly and takes 
out pocket flask and gives it to Alice!) Here's my field glass. 

Alice. Rather a strong one, I should judge. 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 9 

Spooner. {DiscoTien'nf^ mistake.) O, goodness me — deuced 
good joke, to be sure. {Looking in carpet bag ^ 

Clara. Come; let's go on the observation car. This is 
too good to lose. Come, Spooner, my boy. Come uncle 
Bob — come all of you. 

Huntington. O, I'm too tired. 

Spooner. I'll be there in a moment. 

Clara. Come, Alice, or we'll lose it all. 

{Exit Alice and Clara, and all rest of passengers on car) 

Huntington. Now for a glorious weed. I'm for the smok- 
ing car. Spooner. won't you join me ! 

Spooner. No, thank you! I always smoke a short pipe; 
its much more 'ealthy, you know, and besides I'm deuced 
sleepy. I hardly {yawns) got a wink of sleep last night on 
account of those blarsted mosquitoes. 

Huntington. Well, I'll not trouble yoy as I am going off 
for my smoke. 

Exit Huntington at R, 

Spooner. Never mind my guide book. I'll get a quiet 
sleep. {Looking out of window.) No, the scrneiy is not 
much compared to the Welch mountains or Northumber- 
land 'ills ya-as. {yaivns.) I'll have a quiet sleep while those 
noisy girls are out of the car. By G-e-o-r-g-e, deuced fine 
girl that Clara; rather inclined to be charffy though; didn't 
she drance down on my knee — thought the train had run off 
the track. Wonder if old Huntington will mind my using 
his shawls. {Arranges Huntington's shaivls orver seat, a?id 
wraps himself completely in them. Then lays back on chair and 
carefully covers his face with handkerchief, atid wraps shawl 
around head.) Wonder if this'll keep the mosquitoes off. 
{Going to sleep.) Deuced — fine — girl — that — Clara. {Snores 
gently.) 

{Enter Alice and Clara at L. door of car.) 

Clara. Well, we've done Cape Horn, the next thing is 
to do breakfast. 

Alice. Where's papa ? O there he is. 

Clara. Asleep! The dear, good old boy. 

Alice. You know, he said he was tired. 

Clara. We'll be at Colfax in a minute, so we'll wake 
him up. Not as rude men would with a slap on the back, 

2 



10 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

and " rouse up Huntington, my boy." No, we'll hover o'er 
his couch and as angels ministering round him, kiss {makes 
noise of kissing) him from dreams to wakefulness. 

Alice. Well, you go first; don't move the handkerchief 
or you will wake him too soon. 

Clara. {Kissing Spooner through handkerchief^ Wake, 
gentle sleeper, wake! {Spooner scratches his face gently^ 

Alice, {Kissing Spooner ^ Arise, arise! {Spooner hits his 
face as if striking mosquitoes.) Ha! ha! Papa thinks he's 
being troubled by mosquitoes. 

Clara. {Kissing him more violently^ How are you old 
boy .? 

Spooner. Curse those blarsted mosquitoes. {Throivs his 
arms over his head, catches Alice — they both sprijig back upsetting 
Spooner and disarranging his shawls.) 

Alice. {Screaming.) O horrors! it's Spooner. 

Clara. {Scr earring and pointing at Alice.) Ha! ha! ha! 
Miss Parisian propriety caught kissing a man! 

Spooner. {Jumping up and yawning.) Well, if this is'nt 
the most delightful, extraor-dinary country I ever did see. 

Tableau. 

{Alice, R. Spooner, C. Clara, L.) 

{Conductor is heard to cry ^^Gol fax— fifteen minutes" and 
the bell and whistle of the locomotive are heard and train gradu- 
ally slackens speed.) 

SCENE SECOND — Mardens office, i si grooves. Desk and 
chairs at C. Ente^ Mar den and Huntington at L. \st E.) 

Huntington. Ah! what a return home is this. For my- 
self I care not, but I cannot tell Alice. I'm a ruined man ! 
I cannot burden her young heart with the sorrows that are 
weighing down my old head. Harden, my good friend, do 
you know until yesterday I never knew you had seen Alice 
before ? 

Harden. Yes, Hr. Huntington; I have not only known, 
but loved your daughter ever since I first saw her in Paris. I 
feel that I cannot be happy unless I gain her for my wife. 

Huntington. You astonish me. 

Harden. Yes, Hr. Huntington, I have decided to pro- 
pose to Alice, and have thought it but right to ask your con- 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 1 1 

sent to my suit. I have enough, and more than enough, to 
support her in elegance — even if the mine never pays. Have 
I your approval ? 

Huntington. Jasper, you don't know how happy you've 
made me. If Alice loves you, I can but wish for my son the 
man whose hand I now hold. (Grasping Mar den's ha7id.) 
Honest Jasper IMarden; true Jasper Marden; my faithful 
friend you've made me the happiest man in California. The 
mine may fail if I alone sufifer by it. 

Harden. Then you'll mention the matter to her ? 

Huntington. Yes. I'll tell her of your kindness to me, 
of my debts to you, of all your virtues, this very night. Then 
in a few days I'll take Alice and Clara and we'll go and see 
what can be done with the mine. Good bye, Jasper. (Exit 
Huntington^ L. ist E.) 

Marden. Then to-night I'll see her. To-night I'll ask 
her to be mine. I'll warrant the proud beauty will not a sec- 
ond time refuse me. Ah! Alice Huntington, I have you in 
my grasp. [Knock at door is heard.) Come in. {Enter Fair- 
ly, Stacker and Simper ton, R. ist E.) Ah, how do you do Mr. 
Stocker.^ Quite well, Fairly.'^ By George! Simperton, de- 
lighted to see you; did not expect to see you down from Vir- 
ginia so soon. 

SiMPERTON. Come down suddenly, my boy, to see you. 
{Slapping Marden on back.) 

]\Iarden. To see me ^ 

Stocker. Yes, Mr. Marden. You know that we three 
own and work to all practical intents and purposes the 
Segregated Piute, immediately north of you, and accidentally 
striking a narrow seam of pay ore we followed it along and 
ran into your, or rather Huntington's, third level and there 
found — what do you suppose.'' 

Marden. I suppose you found the third level. 

Fairley. And something else. 

SiMPERTON. Y-a-a-s; and tell you what, old boy, by George ! 
your little game's up, whatever it is. We had that ore assayed, 
and it goes from the hundred up. We don't know what your 
litde game is, but we do know old Huntington, he'll give us 
a pretty healthy sum for what we can tell him, if you don't 
come to your milk, and let us into your little game, my boy. 

Marden. Well, gentlemen, what have you to propose .'' 

Fairley. First of all, we want to know why you kept the 



12 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

secret of the richness of Mr. Huntington's mine from its 
owner, when, as we well know, every day puts you to greater 
expense, and Mr. Huntington more deeply in your debt. 

SiMPERTON. Come, explain, old boy. 

Marden. Why do you wish me to explain the secret of my 
life? 

Stocker. Unless we know it, we will denounce you to 
your employer. 

SiMPERTON. I have it ! He wants to get the old boy's mine ! 

Marden. No, gentlemen; I wanted to get his daughter. 
My only reason in keeping this secret was my desire to marry 
Alice; and to keep the mine from paying until I had accom- 
plished this by means of my power over her father. Candidly, 
it's not money I am working for, but Alice Huntington. Curse 
the filthy dross! {Dashes his pen on desk.) 

SiMPERTON. Now, don't get angry, old fellah, but listen to 
what Stocker proposes. He's a genius; pos-tively a genius. 
[Seats hi?nsel/ on desk) 

Marden, {sullenly.) I'm all attention. 

Stocker. Now, you see, Marden, our mine is worth next 
to nothing, at present. " Segregated Piute " is selling at 
$1.50 per share. Now, you keep dark, and let us take out 
of Huntington's mine, through our shaft, enough ore to de- 
clare a dividend or two, from time to time, until the market 
price of "Piute" runs up to $1,000 per foot; then we sell 
out and realize, and then bring suit for Mr. Huntington's 
mine on debts that you make over to us. Money runs short, 
and we sell him out, and gain his, the good mine. Then it 
is suddenly discovered that all the paying ore in the "Piute " 
has been taken from the " Huntington " mine, and down it 
goes to its original figure. 

SiMPERTON. Beau-ti-ful ! 

Fairley. By George ! you are a genius, Stocker. 

Marden. Yes, it is, without exception, the best conceived 
plan of villany I have ever listened to. And for this you 
ruin an old man, and bring his gray hairs to poverty, and 
swindle, perhaps, a few widows and orphans. And for this 
sale of my soul, I am to receive how much .? Half the profits.'' 

SiMPERTON Oh ! pshaw ! Sale of my soul, very good 1 Why 
it's the prettiest, sweetest piece of business I ever heard of, 
and by George I we'll be generous, and give you half — just 
consider! why, it means millions for all of us! 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 1 3 

Harden. I don't like the plan. 

SiMPERTON. O! laws a mercy, me! What a child you are, 
to be sure. Just think, refuse, and we denounce you; and all 
hope of Alice goes up the flume. Consent, and you are the 
possessor ol millions, and the sweetest girl in California! 

.Harden. Say no more — I consent. But I must have the 
transfer of one-half your " Piute " stock. 

Stocker. All light — the shares shall be transferred this 
morning. Good by. 

SiMPERTON. I'll say a good word to Alice for you, old boy; 
it's luck}' for you, you did not want the charming Clara. You'd 
had no chance there, not if I know myself. Ta! la! 

{Exii Stocker, Fair lev and Simper ton at R. \st. E.) 

Harden. Good morning. By all the curses, this is most 
unfortunate. Not that I'm afraid of my secret; they can keep 
one as well as f, when it is to their interest. But then I don't 
like having so many irons in the fire one is sure to get burnt 
with one of them. Ah! I am afraid, afraid. [Exit at L. ist E.) 

SCENE THIRD — Parlor in Hotel very handsomelv furnished. 
Folding doors at C. open. Enter Garvey with basket of 
flowers. 

Garvey. This is curious. The Col. sending flowers to 
a young lady, and so particular about it too; well its only 
equal to everything else he's been up to since he came down 
from the mountains. The minute I sat eyes on him I knew 
he was up to something; he looked so moody and thought- 
ful-like. Says I to him. Col. you look as if you were in love. 
Curse me if he did not jump up as if he was shot. Wall, 
perhaps he is. 

{Enter Clara at C. E.) 

Clara. Ah, Joe! Hy bold stage driver, how are the 
mustangs? Oh, what lovely flowers! {Taking flowers.) 

Garvey. Yes! The Col. asked me to bring them he was 
so particular about them. 

Clara. Col. Hampden, Joe ? Well, who are they for ? 
There's no young ladies in the family now, you know. Oh, 
they must be for me. 

Garvey. Well, I don't altogether understand. First, the 
Col. he says: give 'em to Hiss Alice. 

Clara. {Aside.) Oh, then, they must be for her. 

Garvey. But afterwards he kinder reconsidered, and he 



14 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

says give 'em with my compliments to the young ladies. 
Well, good bye now, Miss Clara. I hope when you come 
up to the mine again you'll let me drive you. 

Clara. No I won't. I'll drive you Joe; you always let 
me you know. Good bye, Joe. 

Garvey. Ain't she a hoss ? 

i^Exit Garvey at R. \st E. — Enter Alice at U. E.) 

Alice. Oh, what lovely flowers! 

Clara. Yes, and they are yours, too. 

Alice. Who could have sent them .? Not Joseph Harden. 

Clara. Ah, no! not him, though the name seems to 
come to you very pat. They are from the man you have 
been so seriously enquiring about every minute or two, since 
we met — Jack Hampden, the prince of border ruffians, the 
boldest of desperadoes. 

Alice. Clara, for shame ! You know he is as brave and 
true a gendeman as ever breathed, though he has lived 
among the wildest and roughest of men. 

Clara. Oh, you little goose; you must know that no one, 
not even yourself, thinks better of my Jack than I do. Do 
you suppose I'd have any Jack for mine but a right bower 
and trump ? First and foremost, what are we to do to pass 
the time to-day .? 

Alice. Well, papa tells me that he will take us to the 
Cliif House. There is to be quite a party there, and we 
have invitations. 

Clara .? That's glorious ! Oh, Alice ! what a dash you'll 
make in your Parisian toilet. 

{Enter servant at R. ist E. ivith card.) 

Alice. {Taking card.) Mr. Hampden! Show him up 
at once. 

(Exit waiter at R. ist E.) 
Clara. Now just you see if he is not the best fellow alive. 
(Enter Hampden R. ist E.) 

Ah ! how are you old fellow .? I've heard what you have been 
doing; going round like a knight errant and rescuing dam- 
sels in distress. But, Miss Alice Huntington, let me intro- 
duce to you Col. Jack Hampden. 

Hampden. Miss Huntington; I believe I had the pleas- 
ure of meeting you some two days ago. 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. I 5 

Alice. Yes, Col. Hampden, and I shall never forgive 
you for cheating me out of the opportunity of thanking you 
for saving my life at the risk of your own. 

Hampden. Not another word, l\Iiss Huntington. Dan- 
ger is nothing to me. I've lived surrounded by it for the 
last fifteen years, but I have never gained from it so much 
as I have to-day. 

Clara. There, Alice, what do you think of that ? I have 
been trying to draw a compliment from that man for two 
years without success, and he hasn't seen you ten minutes be- 
fore he fires a big one at your attractive head. i^Throivs a 
fiower into Alice's lap.) After this peace oflering too — ^you 
must forgive him. 

Alice. Those beautiful flowers! There, I am again your 
debtor. 

Hampden. But, ladies, I came to tell you that Mr. Hunt- 
ington has commissioned me to drive you out to the ClifT in 
his stead, as he cannot come till late, being detained by 
business. 

Clara. That's glorious ! Oh! Jack, may I drive.? I so 
long to handle a rein over your pair of beauties; then you 
shall teach us how to use a pistol. Yes, we'll have a regular 
target party on the beach and you shall be instructor. 

Hampden. Rather a difficult matter without fire-arms. 

Alice. Oh ! Papa has got a regular armory in that room. 

Clara. Any amount of pistols and a Henry rifle included. 

{Enter waiter at C. with cards.) 

Clara. Mr. Harry Spooner and Frislington Simperton; 
show them up. (Exit waiter at C.) 

Alice. Who is Mr. Simperton .? What a curious name ! 

Clara. Oh, you don't know him; then I had better intro- 
duce him before he makes his appearance, he might con- 
sider my remarks personal. Miss Alice Huntington, Fris- 
lington Simperton, Esq., at your service, stock broker and 
gossip monger; knows everybody's business as well as his own; 
tells the most ridiculously absurd stories about himself and 
others; gambles a good deal in stocks — thinks he has seen 
the elephant, and knows he's fought the tiger. 

{Enter at R. ist E. Simperton and Spooner.) 

Clara. Mr. Simperton let me introduce you to my 



I 6 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

cousin, Miss Alice Huntington Mr. Simperton, and Mr, 
Spooner, Col. Hampden. 

Hampden. Happy to know you gentlemen. i^They bow.) 
Mr. Spooner, I suppose you enjoyed the trip. 

Spooner. Delighted! The trip — Oh, I should think so. 
Oh! those blarsted mosquitoes. 

SiMPERTON. Really charmed! Miss Alice I've heard of 
you. Marden says in Paris they talk of nothing else but you. 
Eugenie was nowhere beside la belle Americaine! 

Alice. Indeed! But gentlemen be seated. {J'hey sit down 
— Alice, Hampden, Simper ton, Clara, Spooner^ 

SiMPERTON. Why I wow! Miss Clara you look as if you 
had just arrived from Paris yourself. 

Clara. A most brilliant compliment to my milliner, Mr. 
Simperton. 

Hampden. Mr. Spooner you have come here to see the 
country, I suppose. 

Spooner. Y-a-a-s ! I've been looking round a bit. Took 
a walk about down to-day, and if I didn't have a most extra- 
ordinary adventure, Hengland never saw me! 

Clara. What was W. Did you get into the Barbary 
Coast .? 

Spooner. {Doubtfully.) No, I think not, unless it was 
the female department of it. I went into the Woman Suf- 
frage Convention. I had heard that American females were 
beautiful, but heaven preserve me from the kind that I saw 
up there. The Presidentess said she had heard I came from 
Europe, and I was called on for a speech. They asked what 
the down trodden sisters of England thought of Woman Suf- 
frage. I said that they didn't trouble their 'eads about it. 
That they thought more of the mysteries of the kitchen and 
the 'ospitalities of the parlor — of making their 'usbands com- 
fortable and bringing up their children — I stopped there. 

Alice. Why did you stop there in the middle of such a 
nice speech. 

Spooner. Well, you see there was a gigantic woman that 
had been a Sheriff in Wyoming, I think they call it. By 
George ! she must have been a terror to criminals. She evi- 
dently had hanged a good many men, by the scientific way in 
which she twisted my neck. By Jove ! I feel it yet. I left. 
All I can say is that I don't want to see any more of that kind 
of women. 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. I 7 

Alice. I hope you don't judge of American women by 
those few; rather turn to the thousands that adorn and beautify 
and make American homes and firesides the happiest in the 
world. 

Spooner. Oh! those women are good enough of their 
kind, you know. 

Clara. Stuff! Mr. Simperton, you know you promised to 
tell me all the city gossip. Come, now, you've got some sar- 
castic, wicked, ill natured story on hand — there's a nice, good, 
dear little fellow. 

Spooner. Yes; come, Simperton, do tell us what the 
waiter at the hotel saw^ the other night. 

Simperton, (Eagerly to Alice and Hampden, who have 
beeji conversing together,) Oh! by the bye, Miss Alice, they do 
tell the most interesting and romantic story about you here ! 

Alice. Indeed, Mr. Simperton, you excite my curiosity; 
what can they say about me, I should like to know .? 

Simperton. Well, since you are so curious — I should not 
have mentioned it without. Miss Alice, they do say you've 
had the most fearfully and dreadfully romantic and interesting 
adventure in the mountains. (Hampden starts.) 

Hampden. (Eniabrassed.) Perhaps, Miss Alice, you know 
all about the adventure, and, in that case, won't put Mr. Sim- 
perton to the trouble of repeating it. 

Simperton. (Eagerly.) Oh! no trouble, I assure you. 
They do say that you, Miss Alice, were rescued from an in- 
furiated mustang, in the- most romantic manner possible. 

Alice. I can guess the rest, Mr. Simperton. 

Simperton. Oh! no you can't, I'll bet. They say the 
rescuer not only gained your thanks, but your love, and that — 

Alice. Oh! (Aside.) Mr. Hampden here too — I shall 
die with shame. 

Simperton. Ya-as; and if you are not married to him 
already, you're engaged, and the Society papers are going to 
have a full account of it. 

Clara. Well, if this does not beat all I ever heard. 

Spooner. By George ! You really excite me. 

Simperton. But that is not the worst; for they say the 
chap is a desperado, a border ruffian, and next door to a 
murderer. 

Hampden. Sir! (Rising.) (They all rise ^ 

Simperton. (Catching Hampden s eye) Oh! my good 



1 8 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

gracious, if it's the murderer himself! {Appears frightened, 
and gets behind chair ^ 

Hampden. Mr. Simperton, as I suppose, your aUusions 
can only refer to me; and, knowing, as I do, the falsity in al- 
most every particular, I shall take occasion to contradict them ; 
and shall pardon the expressions you have made use of, con- 
cerning one whom you do not know, on one condition — and 
that is, that you never refer to the subject again, in any man- 
ner, or to any one. If not, sir, I shall hold you personally 
accountable for your words. But the carriage must be waiting 
at the door. The ladies have kindly consented to accompany 
me to the Cliff, and I am sure will be delighted to have you 
both join the party. 

Clara. Come, Spooner, my dear fellah. 

Spooner. {Delighted^ Allow me. {Offers arm.) 

Alice. Yes, Mr. Simperton, you must come too, if only 
to erase from your mind the stories you have heard about me. 

Hampden. You must come, I can really show you some 
things worth looking at. 

Simperton. [Aside, suspiciously.) Ah! you murdering 
villain! I've heard how you kill men by the wholesale. 
You've got something you would like to show me. A bowie- 
knife, I suppose. (Aloud.) No, thank you; I really have 
business I must attend to. 

Hampden. [Offering arm to Alice ^ Good bye, then. 

[Exit at C, Hampden and Alice, Clara and Spooner — Sim' 
per ton looks suspiciously at them..) 

Simperton. Oh ! wasn't it terrible ? I thought he was 
going to kill me on the spot. The bordwer ruffian— wanted 
to entice me away, and make me fight with bowie-knives. I 
don't like him — looks awful. [Enter Clara and Hampden, 
Alice and Spooner, at C, unperceived by Simperton.) 

Clara. Did'nt we all come near forgetting the pistols } 
Come this way all of you. [Exit Hampden, Clara, Spooner 
and Alice into room at L. '^d E.) 

Simperton. I've heard he keeps a private grave yard of 
his own up in the mountains. 

{Enter Spooner at L. 3<^ E. flourishing a large revolver which 
he sights at Simperton. ) 

Simperton. [Turning and seeing Spooner^ 0\i\ [dolefuU 
ly) Spooner, what is the matter .? [Enter Alice with revolver^ 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. I 9 

(Aside.) It's a regular conspiracy. {Aloud.) Spooner, for 
heaven's sake, what is the matter } 

Spooner. O, Hampden's going to show us how he hits 
pkmib center. {Enter Hampden at L. U. E. and co??ies down 
L. C. with pistol in his hand.) 

Hampden. Yes, INIr. Simperton, I'm going to show the 
ladies how I use a pistol. {Goes toivards Simperton who 
rushes to L. U. E.) 

Simperton. Don't shoot, I apologize! 

{Enter Clara with gun at L. U. E.) 

Clara. {Leveling gu?i. ) Jack, I'm a dead shot. {Si?7i- 
perton falls dow7t, hut springs wildly up and runs against 
Marden ivho enters at C. Marden catches hi?}i in his arms and 
briyigs hini forivard^ Simperton strugling ivildly.) 

Marden. I just want one word with you. 

Simperton. I see it all, you're in the plot too. You want 
me killed because I know your secret. 

Marden. My secret! Fool! 

Hampden. His secret ? 

, Tableau. 

{Music. End 0/ First Act.) 



act II. 

SCENE — The Cliff House — Sunset. House at L. 0/ stage. 
Stage arranged as portico — Ocean and Seal Rocks at back. 
Ships pass across from time to time. Music is heard from 
house at intervals. A rock is placed at R. C. of stage. 
During Scene it becomes gradually dark and closing Tableau 
is illuminated by the light of the moon. Spooner, Clara, 
Hampden, Alice and Simperton discovered seated. 

Clara. Was'nt the drive magnificent ? Oh 1 those horses 
of yours, Jack! They're too fine for anything. Of all the 
things I love in this world, I place horses first. 

Spooner. And you place a fellah second ? How cruel! 

Alice. And yet you seemed to think them two machines 
that never could tire, and consequently drove them like — 

Clara. A husband! 

Slmperton. Only not quite so hard. 



20 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

Clara. Yes, a woman is a little easier on a horse than a 
husband. A horse costs so much more money to replace, 
you see. I considered your last remark, Alice, a most un- 
warranted criticism on my driving. And, as you have not 
defended me, Jack, I don't know that I ever shall be induced 
to drive your team again. 

Hampden. I'm afraid that they will hardly feel slighted 
at your neglect. 

Clara. O yes they would. They like to go fast and I 
like to drive fast, so we agree very well on that point. Now, 
Jack, you needn't look as though you don't believe it. They 
do like to go fast, or why should they pull so hard on the bit. 
Oh! my poor arms! Jack, if there's any cruelty in the mat- 
ter, it's on the side of those horses. 

Alice. (Rises.) Well, I'm going into the house. 

SiMPERTON. Permit me. {Offers arm.) 

Alice. Are you not coming, Mr. Hampden } {Hampden 
is about to go.) 

Clara. Not till I've asked you one question. Jack. 

Hampden. Excuse me for a moment. Miss Alice. 

Alice. O, certainly. [Accepts Simperton's arm.) [Aside.) 
What can Clara have to say to him ? [Exit Alice and Simper- 
ton at L. E.) 

Spooner. Well, I guess I'll go too. [Aside.) Nobody 
seems to want me here. [Exit at L.) 

Clara. Now, Jack, I want to ask you one question. 
What did Simperton mean by Marden's secret .? Do you 
know .? 

Hampden. I'm the worst person in the world to guess. 
Anything about Alice .? 

Clara. Ha! ha! Alice seems to run in your head. No, 
I think not; though it is said Harden was one of her most 
devoted admirers in Paris. 

Hampden. You don't think he came here to — to — 

Clara. To marry her ? Oh no ! Why you look quite 
serious. But, really, I think there's something in what Sim- 
perton said; you know he knows everybody's business. Can 
it have anything to do with uncle's mine .? 

Hampden. I can hardly think it. 

Clara. It's only a woman's guess, you know. 

Hampden. But a woman's guess is so like instinct some- 
times. I hardly know Jasper Harden; but he looks like a 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 2 I 

man that might have a secret and a deep one too. Do you 
think it concerns Ahce ? 

Clara. (Aside.) Is'nt he spoony on that girl ? I'll give 
him the benefit of a hint on the subject. (Aloud.) How 
should I know ? You'd better ask her; young ladies are al- 
ways so romantic at such a time as this. There's nothing 
like the proper time and place for anything sentimental. 
Wedding receptions, and moonlight nights by the sea are 
ver)' fatal to young lady's hearts. Jack, if I was in love with 
Alice Huntington, do you know what I would do ? 

Hampden. Well, what .'' 

Clara. I'd propose to her to-night. Ha! ha! ha! Au 
revoir. (Exit Clara into house at L.) 

Hampden. You've guessed my secret have you Miss Clara.'* 
Propose to her to-night — so I will. I'll bear this suspense no 
longer. I will, though it be to despair, bravely tell her my 
love — and should she love — but no, I must keep down such 
thoughts; what can she, who has been the belle of the capital 
of the world think of a rough frontiersman like me.? (Exit 
Hampden at L. id E. Enter Harden and Huntington at R. 
istE.) 

Marden. Then you'll speak to her of this proposition of 
mine for marriage to-night; of all I have done for you ? 

Huntington. Yes; I'll tell her of my debt to you; of 
your kindness tu me; of your noble nature, my true friend, 
my new son. Yes, I'll tell her of the dearest wish of my 
heart. (Exit Huntington at L. id E.) 

Harden. How coldly Alice looks on me to-night; she 
loves me not, and if I could but suppose it of such a man, by 
those glances, blushing, yet burning, I should hate Jack 
Hampden as my happy rival. Curse him ! How beautiful 
she looked. When I but win her and she is mine — and I 
will win her too — then my proud beauty you shall feel the 
pressure of a hand of iron, though it be covered by the dain- 
tiest Parisian kid. (Exit Marden at R. 2d E. Enter Alice at 
L. from house?) 

Alice. Now for five quiet minutes with myself. What 
can Jasper Marden mean by those looks he casts upon 
me. He seems to fairly gloat upon and devour me with his 
gaze, as if — O heaven! — I could ever become his wife. How 
comes he here as my father's agent after he was refused by 
me in Paris two years ago ? He can't expect to win me; still 



22 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

he watched every aetion of mine to-night and cast such 
glances at Hampden that — but he cannot suspect. That 
secret of my love for Hampden is my own and God's. But 
I do love him — noble, chivalrous Jack Hampden, with a 
heart big enough for the whole world except me, I do love 
him dearer than life itself. Oh! heavens he's here. 
{^Enter Hampden at L. 2d E.) 

Hampden. Ah! Miss Alice, you seem to be enjoying this 
beautiful evening. Can I not lead you to a seat. (Takes her 
ha7id.) Why your hand is as cold as ice. 

Alice. Cold hands, warm heart, you kitow. Ha! ha! 
[Laughs nervously. They seat themselves.) 

Hampden. This sea, now so calm, to-morrow may be a 
mass of heaving foam. It makes me think of how calm my 
life might have been had not my own passions destroyed it. 

Alice. Oh! Mr. Hampden do not say that. 

Hampden. Had I remained at home, in old Kentucky, 
and not wandered to Texas and thrown myself, a mere boy, 
into an almost barbarous community where every altercation 
was settled by the duello, I should not have had my name as- 
sociated with half the desperate deeds done from Texas to 
California. As it is, I can but claim the barbarous virtue of 
never having injured an unarmed foe, nor turned my back on 
an armed one. But could I tell my love to any refined wo- 
man ? 

Alice. Colonel Hampden, a woman always feels honored 
by the honest love of aiiy man. But when that woman loves 
in return, then may the world turn away; the more the storm 
tosses, the closer clings the vine. There is nothing so little 
affected by the world as woman's love ! What is the world to 
those who love ? They are each other's world. 

Hampden. Alice, I hardly thought to speak these words; 
but from the first moment I saw you, when you looked into 
my face blushing yet grateful, amid the peaks of the Sierras, 
Jack Hampden fell madly in love with AHce Huntington. 
Oh ! Alice, I have but little but my heart to offer to you who 
have had the great of the world at your feet — but know that 
you have the whole of it. 

Alice. [Aside.) It is more than enough. [Aloud.) Mr. 
Hampden — ^you — you — surprise me. 

Hampden. As I supposed. Fool that I was to ask the 
question. Miss Huntington you shall be troubled by me no 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 2^ 

more. ( Walh a feiv steps aivay.) Good bye, Alice, {^Enter 
Simper ton at L. Z^ E.) 

Alice. Mr. Hampden — Jack — (their eyes 7?ieet.) 

Hampden. Oh! happiness! If the devotion of a hfe — 
(/f about to spring to Alice ivhen Si?7iperton interposes^ 

Simperton. The musicians are just going to play a waltz, 
can I have the pleasure ? 

Alice. I shall not waltz this evening. I'm giddy (aside) 
with happiness. 

SiMPERTON. (Seeing Hampden.) Oh! ah! I hope I did 
not interrupt a "tete a tete." I never like to interrupt a "tete 
a tete." I once knew a young man that interposed when a 
fellah was proposing and the young lady never forgave him. 

Alice. (Aside.) And she won't in this case. 

SiMPERTON. And the chap he saved from sacrificing him- 
self— 

Hampden. Wrung the booby's neck, I suppose. 

SiMPERTON. What a mistaken idea; no, he blesses him 
every day of his life and consideres him a special interposi- 
tion of providence on his behalf. He never got his courage 
to the point again. 

Alice. Mr. Simperton, I'm as pleased to see you now as 
at any time. 

(Enter Clara, Spooner and Hunting tott at L. '^d E.) 

Hampden. (Aside.) Curse the impertinent puppy! But 
I dare not think of it here or I shall betray myself. Does 
she, can she love me .? (Sits down at R.) 

Clara. Come, Alice, we're all going for a drive on the 
beach. 

Alice. I prefer to remain here. When the moon rises 
it will be much more pleasant from the balcony. 

Clara. Stuff — you've got some other reason I'm sure. 

Alice. Indeed, I've not, Clara. 

Clara. Well, Jack, you'll go anyway. 

HiLMPDEN. No — I think the moon — will be much more 
enjoyable — from the balcony. 

Clara. Oh ! you do, do you ? The moon seems to have 
a great deal to do with both of you; the moon and Jack 
Hampden — the idea! 

Huntington. I would like a few words with you, Alice, 
if you can spare me ten minutes from pleasure. 

Alice. Oh! I'm at your service, Papa. (Aside.) I wish 



24 'FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

I could speak to Clara. I'm dying for a confidant. {Goes 
up stage with Hunii7igto7t.) 

Clara. Come back soon, Alice, I've got something so 
delicious to tell you. 

Alice. So have I, dear. {Exit Alice and Huntington at 
L. U.E) 

Clara. {Goes to Hampden^ Has she.? Jack! There 
don't speak, I see it all. Oh! you lucky fellow. 

Simperton. It must be something awfully sweet you've 
got to hear, judging by the delightful way she prepared you 
for it. 

Clara. Oh! not at all; a woman always gives one some- 
thing sweet to take first, in order that the sour that comes af- 
terward may be particularly noticeable. 

Spooner. Yes, as you say, Miss Clara, sour and sweet to- 
gether, like lemonade, very nice to take. 

Hampden. {Aside^ lookifig off.) Will Alice never return .? 
0-h ! I am happy. 

Simperton. As you say. Miss Clara. Women are like su- 
gar-coated pills, very agreeable at first sight, but having all 
their sweetness on the outside; they generally become unpal- 
atable on more intimate acquaintance. 

Clara. Oh! you wretch! Spooner have, you nothing to 
say in our favor } 

Spooner. I can't think of anything good enough, you 
know. 

Clara. Jack — I say, Jack! You at least should think 
well of women to-night. 

Hampden. Do I think well of women. Miss Clara .? True 
women, those beings whose very wings would bear them to 
heaven at once, did God not, in mercy, keep them here to 
enoble and elevate man in this world and by example fit him 
for the companionship of angels in the next. {Goes up stage.) 

Spooner. Oh ! you must be in love. 

Clara. {Aside.) I should think so. {Aloud.) May you 
keep that opinion a week. 

Simperton. It's very evident that you hav'nt got all the 
sugar o^ your pill yet. 

Clara. Perhaps his pill is all sugar. Ah 1 isn't this por- 
ticoe much better than those nasty hot rooms; it's much more 
refreshing than any amount of ice cream. 

Spooner. And so much sweeter, you know. 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 25 

Clara. It's positively glorious to feel the breeze fresh 
from the ocean playing with my hair and kissing my cheek. 

Spooner. I only wish I were the breeze. 

Clara. If you took such liberties with me perhaps I 
might give you something to make you feel like a "squall." 

Simperton. Ha! ha! ha! Duced good! {Slaps Spooner 
on hack avd goes off at L. \st E.) 

Spooner. That's what you're always doing; you're always 
charfing a fellah. 

Clara. Oh, how^ canjcw say so.? 

Spooner. {Aside^ Now's my chance. The magnificent 
stepper shall be mine. She shall know what it is to feel the 
British Lion in love. 

Clara. {Aside^ Will he never begin ? 

Spooner. {Animakdlv.) Oh! Miss Clara, isn't it rapturous .-* 
I'm always so up-set when I see you. {Difidently. ) Oh ! if 
I could only lay bare the hadoration of my 'eart. 

Clara. It's a blessing of Providence you can't; it would 
be too distressing a sight, " you know." 

Spooner. Oh, you're always charging a fellah, you cruel — 
{gets 071 his knees and takes her hand.) Oh, Clara! I love you; 
Spooner loves you; 'arry loves. 

Clara. {Aside.) I believe the dear fellow does like me 
a little. 

Spooner. Say a good word to a chap, can't you .? 

Clara. I don't know as you are quite American enough 
to suit me. 

Spooner. Oh, I'll do anything I'll learn to chew to- 
bacco, to eat with a knife. 

Clara. You foolish fellow ! Don't you dare let me catch 
you chewing tobacco. Do you know the cost of my consent.-^ 

Spooner. Oh, I'll do anything. 

Clara. You must promise to love me. 

Spooner. Oh, I'll find it no trouble to do that. 

Clara. To honor me. 

Spooner. I'll find it no trouble to do that. 

Clara. And to obey me. 

Spooner. I'll find it no — is that in the American marriage 
service } 

Clara. If it isn't, it will be, before I'm led to the altar, 
my boy, so you'd better begin at once. 



26 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

{Enter Simperton at R. ^d E., he looks at them maliciously. 
Spooner seizes Clara's hand and kisses it violently.) 

Clara. {Pulli?tg her hand awajy.) I didn't mean it that 
way. Now, let's go for the drive, I wonder where's that 
little insignificant Simperton. (Simperton retreats, shaking his 
Jist at Clara, to hack of stage. Hampden conies forward^ 

Clara. Won't you come with us Jack .? 

Hampdrn. I think I'll enjoy the moon from the balcony. 

Clara. Oh, I forgot; may your moon rise soon, smile 
kindly on you Jack, and — not be made of green cheese. 
Au revoir. Jump in, Spooner. 

Spooxer. I'm up-set for life. 

Clara. What's that you say, sir .? 

Spooner. Oh, I meant set up, my darling, I did, indeed. 
(Exit Clara and Spooner at R. ist E.) 

Hampden. Will they never get away.? What can keep 
Alice so long ? 

Simperton. Oh, Miss Clara, I'll get even with somebody 
for this. The little insignificance indeed — very good — deuced 
good — and your great beast of an English booby. Ha ! ha! ha! 
(Exit Simperton, laughing hysterically, at R. ist E.) 

Hampden. They've gone at last, thank heaven. Oh! I 
should thank her. I'm the happiest man alive. AHce loves 
me; though she said it not with her lips, her eyes spoke to 
my very heart. Could I believe that one short hour should 
make jack Hampden the happiest of men, in the love of 
Alice Huntington. {The scene has gradually become dark, and 
now becomes quite dark.) But is not this happiness too great to 
last .? Will it not pass away from me as the light is passing 
out of the heavens.'' Ah, I am getting nervous; what can I 
have to fear so long as Alice loves me .? I'll sit here and 
wait for her. {Hampden sits in a chair at R. C. of stage. Enter 
Mar den, Fair ley and Stacker at R. ist E.) 

Marden. I tell you it won't do, P'airley. We must go 
slow till I marry the girl, or old Huntington might find all 
out. 

Stocker. But old Huntington will never think the ore 
comes from his mine. 

Fairley. Oh, no; he'll never know anything about it as 
long as Jasper Marden is superintendent. 

Marden. Come this way, we'll talk it over at leisure. 

{Exit Marden, Fair ley and Stocker, at L. 2d E. Hampden 
rises.) 



rOUKD THE TRUE VEIN. 2'J 

Hampden. What was that I heard ? Clara was right. 
What secret can this be about the mine ? What did Marden 
mean by " go slow, iill he married the girl ? " What girl ? 
Alice Huntington ? That shall never be ! I must find her. I 
can't rest now till I've seen her. Ah! Jasper Marden, you've 
no longer a young girl and a man enfeebled by age to dear 
with; but one whose every sinew is made strong by that elixil 
vitse, love. {Exit Hampden, R. 2d E. Tfu ??wo?i rises, and 
Alice and Hunting to7i enter at L. U. E.) 

Alice. {Aside.) Oh, this is more than I can bear. 

Huntington. He told me he had loved you from the 
first moment he saw you; in fact he told me enough to make 
me more than happy. Oh, it is the dearest wish of my life 
to see you led to the altar by Jasper Marden. [Alice starts /) 
Tell me, shall I not see it.? 

Alice. And you are entirely in his power and debt } 

Huntington. Yes; he could foreclose and sell the mine 
to-morrow, and leave me an old man, and a beggar. But he 
is too honest and true, is Jasper Marden, and I hope when 
you see him you'll give him that answer that will make me 
more than happy in the prospect of sitting at your fireside 
and seeing my daughter surrounded by the comforts that she 
has been born to. Shall I tell him you will see him. 

Alice. Yes; Oh! yes. You can tell him. 
{Exit Huntington at L. 2d E.) 

Alice. Oh ! I cannot see my poor old father 
ruined. I cannot see him close his eyes in abject poverty. 
I cannot see the last hope of his life taken from him. But 
what am I doing } What is before me .? Oh ! one minute of 
extasy in Hampden's love and an eternity of horror in Jas- 
per Marden's arms! Oh! Hampden, Hampden, why did I 
ever see you "i Why did you ever speak your love .? Oh, 
Jack! Jack! I cannot give you up! {Alice throivs herself 
into chair at C. and moon light is thrown on C. of stage ^ 
{Enter Marden at Z. U. E.) 

Marden. Your father told me I would find you here and 
that he had conversed with you a moment ago on some 
rather interesting family business. Now, I need not tell you 
all your father said is true. Alice Huntington, I offer you 
once more my hand. Do you accept it "i 

Alice. My father is in your power .'* 



28 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

Harden. He is, and unless I receive the promise of your 
hand to-night, the mine stops work to-morrow, and he is a 
ruined man. 
' Alice. But why not allow a litde time ? 

Harden. Because! I love you AHce Huntington and you 
must be mine. 

Alice. O, Hr. Harden! I do not love you; would you 
not rather have me for your true friend, than have me for 
your wedded wife and know I loved you not ? 

Harden. Time somedmes makes great changes in one's 
thoughts, I've noticed. 

Alice. But it does not make a wild bird love its captor. 

Harden. Whether you love me now or never, I love you 
and will have you for my wife. 

Alice. You love me ? True love ennobles the object of its 
affections; but you seek to degrade her you profess to adore; 
to make the woman you love perjure herself before the mar- 
riage altar. Oh, man ! have you not' pride enough to refuse 
an unwilling bride .? * . . 

Harden. O, J ove'll come af^er marriage. : '. 

Alice. Impossible! I cannot, I cannot! I should despise 
myself too much. 

Harden. Why impossible, Alice.? Am I not as other 
men ? Aye, better than most. Have I not what the world 
calls wealth ? Am I not passing comely ? There can be 
but one reason — and that is, you love another. Ah! you 
start; I see it in your face. There is a more favored rival. 
Now, Alice Huntington, were you to pray to me on your 
bended knees, I would never give you up. Accept me, and 
I shower my wealth on your father's grey hairs; refuse me, 
and they go down in despair to the grave. Be careful how 
you choose. 

Alice. Have you no mercy ? 

Harden. None ! Think of your father. 

_ Alice. Oh, my father! (Aside.) O, Jack! Jack! I can't 
give you up. (Aloud.) Jasper Harden, I accept you. Know 
that I promise to be your wedded wife; but know also, that 
I hate you ! 

, Harden. Ah ! this is different to two years ago. Now 
charming Alice, come to these arms; let me feel that thou 
art mine. 

(Enter Simperton at R. ^d E. ; he watches Alice and Mar den 
from behind rock.y 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 29 

Alice. {Starting back.) Kiss me not. I do not love 
you, and you shall never — so much as touch my hand, until 
we meet at the altar. 

SiMPERTOx. Hist! Hampden, hist! {Beckoning for Hamp- 
den — ejiter Hampden R. T,d E.) Just look there, will you? 
Jove, that's rich! 

Alice. But for all that— God help me, Jasper Marden, I 
promise to become your lawful wife. 

Hampden. O, heaven! Too late! Too late! 

SiMPERTON. I guess I've rubbed the sugar off his pill. 

Tableau. 
Moonlight — Hampden, R., Simper ton, Marden; Alice L. Music 
— waltz — piano from House. ' End of Second Act. 



ACT III. 

SCENE FIRST- — Room in mining town. Plainly furnished 
' — two chairs and table at C. Clara is, discovered. 

Clara. So we are to be in this wretched place another 
week on account of the miserable mine; however, uncle Bob 
says he'll takes us for a spree as soon as Alice is mar- 
ried, which is to be to-morrow, by-the-by. The idea of a 
Parisian belle getting hitched in such an out of the world 
place as this old mining town! Why, one would think she 
were ashamed of her devoted Marden. When I get married 
I shall lead my captive in triumph with all the pomp of six 
bridesmaids. That reminds me that Spooner ought to ar- 
rive to-day. If Alice Huntington and Jack Hampden 
were'nt in love, eyes never showed it before. There's some- 
thing in it beyond my comprehension. Can she have been 
coquetting with Jack and been scorched with her own flame ? 
Here she comes! I'll find out, and set this thing straight, 
or my name's not Clara Huntington. 

{Enter Alice at R. 1st E.) 

Clara. Ohl Alice, I've got such news for you. 

Alice. Indeed! and what is it? 

Clara. Jack's here! 

Alice. {Aside.) This is more than I can bear. 

Clara. No, not Jack, but Mister Hampden. I declare 



30 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

he has treated me shamefully, he has; Joe Garvey, his stage 
driver, says he has been in here this little town for two weeks 
and he hasn't called onus once. Well, perhaps its just as well; 
for Joe says he's been in a fearful temper; but 1 don't see 
why he couldn't come here and vent a little of it on me ; I'm 
not going to marry Jasper Marden to-morrow. 

Alice. Clara, I must go and lie down; I don't feel very 
well. I — {Going.) 

Clara. {Running and bringing Alice back.) Not till you've 
written to invite him to the wedding. He would feel so de- 
lighted to know you remembered him. 

Alice. Would you drive me mad .? 

Clara. Mad! Why, you're mad already. Any young 
lady is that is going to be married. There's the pen, ink 
and paper, so I leave you to write it. Now do make it a 
pressing invitation. Au revoir! 

{Exit Clara at L. i si E. — Alice sits down!) 

Alice. Why does every one repeat that name to me ? I 
wish I had died before I had heard it. I could endure death 
better than having known Jack Hampden. To marry Jas- 
per Marden! Oh! why am I tried thus? If it were not for 
my father I could not endure it for one moment. And wh^t 
must Hampden think of me ! But it is belter that he should 
despise and cast me out of his heart, than love Jasper Mar- 
den's bride. O, that I could do the same; but I love him, I 
love him! Oh Jack! Jack! I shall go mad. {Throws herself 
over table mid holds her face in her hands — Enter Clara at 
L. \st E.) 

Clara. {Aside.) It is as I supposed. {Aloud.) Alice! 
I'm going to give you a piece of my mind. When first you 
told me of your engagement to Jasper Marden, I thought it a 
mere flirtation — such as some girls carry on, but most un- 
worthy of one like you. 

Alice. Clara ! you could not suppose so ill of me. 

Clara. But now, you are going to do worse. To-mor- 
row you are going to swear to love, honor and obey one man 
when you love another. 

Alice. Clara ! 

Clara. Oh, don't deny it. Do you think that I am blind ? 
Don't you know I have noticed, from the first day of your en- 
gagement, that you were an altered girl; that the color left 
your cheek, and the lightness deserted your step. Do you 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 3 1 

think I love you so little as to see it killing you and let it go 
on ? For some reason, I care not what, you have, loving 
another, agreed to marry this Jasper Harden. Go with me 
and tell him this, and if he has the soul of half a man, he'll 
give you your freedom. 

Alice. He will not; he knows I do not love him — that 
M-I— 

Clara. That you love another. And he will marry you 
knowing that! Oh, what a cur he is! Alice, I've no patience 
with you. How could you endure his touch, his look ? You 
must have had some reason for all this. Was it your father's 
embarrassments in business .'* 

Alice. My father's in his power. Oh, let the wedding go 
on ; it is better thus. 

Clara. I should fail in my duty to you, were I to let this 
pass without an effort to save you. 

Alice. My father wishes it. 

Clara. Your father wishes ill Do you think so meanly 
of him as to suppose he would let you marry any man if he 
did noi think you loved him ? If you do not tell him, I will. 
You not only break your own heart, but you break another's. 
1 saw Jack Hampden to-day; he is going to Arizona, with a 
face paler than your own; but there's, a look in those dark eyes 
that makes me think I would'nt be the first Apache to cross 
his path for all the gold in California. I'll see your father, 
and tell him; I know he will not see you sacrificed. 

Alice. Oh, Clara, can there be hope where all was de- 
spair ? This is killing me. 

Clara. Come, Alice; left us find him at the mine. I 
know all will be right; for the first time in a month I feel 
myself again 

SCENE SECOND— hiterior of Hoisting Works of the Hunt- 
ington mine. At L. of stage is hoisting engine, and at C. is 
shaft opening, with cage practicable. At R. C. is an old wind- 
lass aver another opening, covered temporarilly with planks; at 
R. are two piles of rock, one much larger than other; smaller 
pile nearer front of stage. Crow-bars, picks, sledges, etc. ly- 
ing about; also, coats of work?nen hanging on wall. Hol- 
dridge at work running engine; miners working; so7m China- 
men sorting ore, and breaking it with sledges. 

Holdridge. Now, then, look out boys, here she comes. 



3 2 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

{Cage conies up loaded with rock; men shovel it into larger pile?) 
I St. Miner. They do say as how the air isn't good, and 

that another shaft will have to be sunk. 

2d Miner. You jist look at that ore and that waste rock^ 

which is the biggest, the divi's or the assessments ? 

1st Miner. But it ain't for us to talk; it is our bread and 

butter, it is. 

{Bell strikes twelve; Holdridge starts cage down. ) 

HoLDRiDGE. Now, then, boys it's time for dinner, 

{Miners put on coats, and Holdridge brings up cage full of 
men, Hampden and Garvey among them disguised as miners^ 

Holdridge. Thompson, did you see if there was powder 
enough in the magazine below .? 

Thompson. Powder enough in the magazine — You bet, 
there is enough for a month yet. Since we haven't been 
working so many hands, we haven't used so much powder. 

{Hampden and Garvey talk together apait; men put on coats 
and prepare to go ) 

Holdridge. Boys, before you go, I want to tell you that 
Mr. Marden says he has lost a pocket book about here, and 
will give twenty dollars to the man that returns it to him ; so 
you'd better keep your eyes skinned. 

Garvey. You bet I will. {Hampden and Garvey appear 
interested^ 

I St Miner. There's not much chance of any such luck as 
finding of it about here, I reckon. 

Ah Sing. All light — me sabee — ^me catchee pocket book — 
me catchee twenty dollar. 

Holdridge. Somebody must remain here. Sing, you 
stay here until the rest come from dinner. 

Ah Sing. {Sullenly.) Me no sabee. 

Holdridge. You stay here, I tell you! 

Ah Sing. Me no sabee — me sabee me belly hungly — me 
me sabee me like hcee — me sabee Miss Marden, me no sabee 
you ! 

Holdridge. Well, all I've got to say is that if you know 
what's good for you, you'll stay here. 

3d Miner. Begora, it's not much he'll miss if he misses 
his dinner; the spalpeen! {Exit Miners and Chinamen.) 

Holdridge. Now, then, to see if my engine is all right — 
isn't it a little beauty. {Arranges engine. Sing sits sullenly 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 33 

dozun at U. pari of stage, and Hampden and Garvey walk up 
stage.) There, the engine's all right. This is a nice birth; 
I don't even envy you, Jasper Harden, though you are going 
to marr}' the beauty of California, to-morrow. I'm a married 
man myself, and I know more about it than you — George! I 
must go — I'm late for dinner. Won't my wife give me a 
precious twisting, though. [Exit Hodlridge at R., hurriedly. 
Hampde?i co?7ies /or'ivard.) 

Hampden. I don't like this playing sneak, at all; but it's 
my only chance, for if Harden once knew that Jack Hamp- 
den was working in Huntington's mine, disguised as a laborer, 
I should never go down that shaft again, and good bye all 
hope of Alice. But the time is so fearfully short, only twenty 
four hours between me — and what .'' Ah, I must work, the 
time is short, but I must, I will do it; for I feel that down 
that shaft there's something, could it but be found, that would 
prove him the scoundrel that he is, and free Alice of him 
forever. 

Garvey. [Coming doivn to Hampden.) I say, Col., have 
you found anything yet 1 

Hampden. No; and you, Joe ^ 

Garvey. Nothing, Col. I've looked and peered and ex- 
amined into most everything, but so far there's nothing. 

Hampden. Have you been able to get into the third level } 

Garvey. Could'nt get there — the level's locked up and 
Harden keeps the key, and they say as it's all worked out. 

Hampden. That must be the place. Can't we get down 
there now .? 

Garvey. It can't be did. Col. you must go and get 
something to eat. What with working all day and thinking 
all night you'll kill yourself- — you're next door to a cast iron, 
extra power steam man, or you'd be dead now. Come Col., 
do go. 

Hampden. Then, to-night Joe, we must go down and 
burst into that level. It's my last chance — and Joe, keep a 
lookout for that pocket book of Harden's. ( Exit Hampden 
R. 1st E) 

Garvey. You bet I will. I don't like this biz nohow; 
but that don't bother me a bit, if it wasn't for that cursed 
dream. I try to dodge it, but it's no go. Those confounded 
mustangs will run off the grade everytime I try to go to sleep. 
For three nights running that infernal dream has come off 



34 FGUKD THE TRUE VEIN. 

regular. Now, to a stage driver like me, it means something, 
sure. Wonder what it is ? Well, dinner won't hurt me 
whatever is ahead. (Exi/ Garvey R. \st E. — Sing gets up.) 
Ah Sing. Ah! Miss Holdridge you tink me sorter ore; 
me sing song — me dance a little. 

{Ah Sing's so7tg.) 

Ah! me am one of the heathen Chinee, 

And a heep many white man, no likee me. 

The Irishman say me am no belly good, 

Cause me glade all the railroad, me chop heep much wood; 

But still me get on and as you all well can see, 

There am four hundred million heathen Chinee. 

On licee me live for ten cents a day. 
And that am the way to make money, me say. 
The little boy "cry get out Chinaman" 
And fly heep big rock as hard as he can ; 
But what caree me if he kill two or three. 
There am four hundred million just likee me. 

The man with big money wish white men were such. 

Cause me eatee so little, me workee so much. 

The man with small money hatee me heep. 

Cause me workee so hard and me workee so cheap; 

But still many men sail over the sea, 

There are four hundred million to come after me. 

Ah SmG. Me thinkee me play cards a little. [Takes pack 
vf cards from pocket and becomes absorbed in them — sitting down 
at L. C. Enter Huntington at R. 1st E.) 

Huntington. No, Marden is not here; so I must wait. 
[Seeing Ah Sing. Aside.) . A Chinaman here! Marden never 
told* me he was going to employ Chinamen. What's he 
doing.? [Looking over Sing's shoulders.) Why he's turning 
up the Jack from the bottom every time. Here, I sayl 
[Sing starts up.) Where's Mr. Marden .? 

Ah Sing. Me no sabee you ! 

Huntington. [Aside.) This always quickens a China- 
man's understanding. [Shows Sing a quarter of a dollar.) 

Ah Sing. [Seeing it and knowingly.) Ah! you see me — 
me sabee you — you want Miss Marden .? 

Huntington. [Giving money.) Yes, I want Mr. Marden. 

Ah Sing. All right. Me catchee Miss Marden. [Aside.) 
Me catchee licee. [Aloud.) Me find Miss Marden. [Aside.) 
Me catchee dinner. [Exit Sing R. ist E. triumphantly ^ 

Huntington. This thing must not go on, for I will not 



, FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 35 

lend my aid to this herd of locusts that are slowly driving 
from our midst the greatest safeguard of American liberty, 
the strong arms and brave hearts of our working men. Ah! 
me, I wonder if this mine will ever pay again. [Si'/s down 
071 ore pile. ^ Yes, if I had enough of this {passing his hand 
through ore and tossing it about) then should my daughter 
marry the man of my choice, not as a portionless bride, but 
dowered as if she were the heiress of the Indies. But as it 
is, I can but give her and my hearty blessing to Jasper Mar- 
den. What's this.'' {Finding pocJ^etbooJi ifi ore-pile.) Ah! 
somebody has lost this. {A photograph /alls out. Piclis it up.) 
This must be ]\Iarden's, for here's Alice's picture. The 
careless fellow must have dropped it here. {Blows dust off it 
and examines it.) Yes, it is his, for here are entries about 
my mine. Let's see what Jasper really thinks of my pros- 
pects, he always says there's hope; does he truly think \\.} 
What's this — do I see aright .? ( Talies off spectacles and wipes 
them. Music — piano. Enter Mar den at R. U. E. He comes 
down and seeing Huntington approac/ies hiin carefully?) 

Huntington. {Reading.) "In the third level, drifts and cross 
cuts calculated, there are 50,000 tons of $50 ore; value over ex- 
cuses, $1,500,000, besides indefinite amount undeveloped. 
Dated 25th of May." This takes away my breath. The third 
level ! By heavens, that is the very level he has closed up and 
never worked, and the 2 5lh of May the very day he asked 
me for my daughter ! 

]\Iarden. My pocket book! Lost! Lost! {Enter Stocker 
and Fairley at R. 1st E.) Thank God! they've come. Mr. 
Huntington, may I have my pocket book.? 

Huxtixgton. Take it! {Tosses him the book.) Jasper 
INIarden I know you for what you are. The knowledge 
comes at a late day, but it comes soon enough to prevent my 
daughter marrying a traitor and a villain! 

Marden. Ah! Huntington, you showed your game a lit- 
tle too soon. You should have kept the knowledge to your- 
self until you left this mine. * 

Huntington. That makes no dift'erence, sir. For now 
I go to inform my daughter what you are, and if I know her 
for. one moment, she would reject such a man with scorn, 
even though she loved him with twice the devotion she ever 
gave to you. {Moves towards R. 1st E.) 

Marden. Not yet. {Interposing^ You say you know 



36 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

me for a traitor and a villain, but no one else knows it and 
they never shall, for you will tell no living man of this day's 
doing ! 

Fairley. Good heavens, Harden! 

Stocker. You don't mean — 

Huntington. If you mean murder, speak it out. It will 
be a brave deed for three strong men. 

Harden. No, I do not mean to murder you, for you are 
yet to be my father-in-law. Aye, and bless me as your son. 
But I do mean that you do not leave this mine until your 
daughter becomes my wife. I do mean that you shall not 
leave here to divulge what you do know until you have as 
much interest in the secret as Jasper Harden himself. You 
will bury as deep in your bosom as I in mine the knowledge 
that your daughter's husband is what I am. You dare not tell 
Alice Huntington she is married to a villain. As to you 
Stocker and Fairley, if you do not aid me in this, your game 
is up as well as mine. 

Fairley. There's no doubt of that. 

Stocker. Lead on Harden; it's our only hope. 

Harden. You seize him, Stocker, with me, and you, Far- 
ley, attend to the engine. We'll take him to the third level 
and shut him up in the old incline. Hr Huntington you 
shall see your hidden treasure and calculate how rich a dower 
you will give your daughter. And if you hear the wedding 
bells sounding faintly on your ear, why just breathe a silent 
prayer for the happiness of your new and loving son. We'll 
say you've been suddenly called on most urgent business to 
San Francisco, and left word for the ceremony to be per- 
formed and Alice and I to follow immediately. Now, Fair- 
ley, you attend to the engine. 

Huntington. Not without one struggle for liberty and 
Alice. [Picks up sledge handle.) Jasper Harden, approach 
me at your peril. [Marden, Stacker and Fairley attack Hunt- 
ington. They beat down his guard with mining implements that 
they pick up, and closing with him, Stocker and Mar den force 
him onto cage, and Fairley runs to engine and starts it down.) 

Harden. Ah! Huntington you threw up your hand 
thinking they were trumps, but they turned suit on you at 
last. 

Huntington. {As he disappears.) Oh, Alice! Alice! 

, {Enter Alice at R. ist E.) 



FOUXD THE TRUE VEIN. 37 

Alice. Papa! papa! {Rims to mouth of shaft.) Mr. 
Fairley will papa be long in the mine } 

Fairley. Your father has not gone into the mine. {Enter 
R. 1st E. Simperton. Clara and Spooner — Fair ley stops engine.) 

Alice. Why, Mr. Fairley you are mistaken. I not only 
saw my father's face disappear from view as I entered that 
door, but I heard his voice in the shaft. 

Fairley. (Sullenly.) Well, Fm sure that I didn't see 
him, that's all I can say. {Aside.) Curse the unhappy 
chance that brought them here. {Beckons to Simperton, who 
comes over to him.) 

Clara. Alice don't be so impatient, your father will be 
up in a few minutes. 

Fairley. {To Simperton.) The game's up if you don't 
get them from here. The old fellow knows what's the matter 
with his mine, and Marden and Stocker are shutting him up 
below, 

Simpertox. {Faintly^ Oh! Laws a mercy me — we're 
gone in, {Sinks down on rock.) 

Spooner. I say Clara, let's set down and take a quiet chat, 
you know; Fm quite knocked up, by jove. {Clara and 
Spooner seat themselves on ore pile?) 

Clara. {Seeing Simperton.) Simperton what's the matter 
with you 1 Are you knocked up, too .? 

Simperton. {Aside}) Knocked down rather. {Jumps up.) 
No, I feel quite lively. {Aside.) George! what shall I do ? 
{Alice has been walking about; Simperton also coT?wiences ivalking 
about in a very nervous manner.) 

Clara. Alice come here and sit down; you look as nerv- 
ous as Simperton. 

SiMPERTOX. Do I look nervous 1 I don't feel so — never 
in better spirits in my life. Come, let's take a walk. It will 
do me — no — you, good. 

Spooxer. Not if I know it mv boy, 

Alice. Here come the men. 

{Enter Hampden and Garvey R. \st E.) 

Hampdex. Alice here! What can have brought her ? 

Garvey. She can't recognize us — that's good! 

Alice. Will papa, never come! {Looks into shaft. Gar- 
vey pulls off coat.) 

Hampdex. And is she a coquette after all ? I cannot 
think it, or civilization should never see me more. It were 



^8 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

better my scalp adorn a Comanche village than my heart be 
taken and torn, and its strings twisted into a garland to crown 
the empty head of a city belle. I cannot keep my eyes from 
her; she has the face of an angel; can she have the heart of 
an Apache ? i^Enter the men followed by Holdridge at R. \st 
E. Men com7nence to prepare for ivork. ) 

Holdridge. {Aside.) My wife did give me a precious 
twisting though; I'll never be late to dinner as long as she's 
alive. (Aloud.) Good day, ladies. How are you Mr. Fair- 
ley, I see you are running my engine. 

Fairley. Yes; Marden and Stocker wanted to go into 
the mine, so I let them down {Aside.) Darn me if I see 
how Marden, will get out of this. 

Holdridge. All right, Mr. Fairley. Engine runs well, 
doesn't it '^ What's that! {Bell is heard to strike several times.) 
The signal to bring up quick. {Starts engine — cage comes up 
with Marden and Stocker on it.) 

Marden. Good heavens! Alice, you here! 

Alice. Mr. Marden, I came to see papa; when will he 
come out of the mine .? 

Mardex. Mr. Huntington is not in the mine. 

Alice. My father is in the mine; I saw him go down 
with you, and I heard his voice cry " Alice ! " My father 
went down that shaft not fifteen minutes ago. Jasper Mar- 
den, where is my father .? 

Marden. {Starting!) I would have broken the news to 
you more gently, but I cannot. Robert Huntington is lost in 
the mine. 

Clara. Lost in the mine .? 

Alice. Which of you, my men, will go and find him ? 

Garvey. I'll try my best. 

Miners. We'll all go. 

Marden. Back! all of you! It will do no good to look 
for him. See, our candle's out. {holding up candle.) The 
mine is full of noxious gasses. Robert Huntingtoa is doubt- 
less dead, and it is death to descend and look for him ! 

Alice. Oh, my father! my father! Let me fly to you! 
Oh ! men, can you have the heart to see him die, when you 
can save him .? Which of you will go .? {the men hang back.) 
Look, you, Jasper Marden, I came here to renounce your 
hand, to tell you that I never would be thine, that I loved you 
not; but bring back my father, and I swear to be your lawful 
wife. 



FOL'Nn THE TRUE VEIN. 39 

Hampdex. (Aside.) She loves him not, thank heaven 1 
Why did she promise to marry him ? Ah, Ahce, you have 
been the victim of some cruel plot, and now is the time to 
tear the secret out of yonder mine. It's my last chance for 
happiness and Alice, 

Garvey. Here, I'm your man! Life or death, I will try 
to save him ! ( Throws off coat and aiUmpts to get on cage. 
Marden and Stacker catch and hold him back; Hampden comes to 
R. C.) 

IMardExX. You fool! It would be death. 

Hampdex. {In a disguised rioice.) I's not afeared. The 
gars won't hurt I. I's been in a coal mine afore, I'll go 
down and try for the the old man. 

AIardex. You must be crazy! It would be death. You 
shall not do it. 

Hampdex. Oh, I's not afeared. It don't matter much if 
such as I don't come up again. {Throws off coat and goes 
towards cage.) 

IMardex. You shall not do it, I say! Curse you! I'll 
call the men. Here, men, you won't let this fellow be fool 
enough to kill himself .f" {The men approach Hampden.) 

Hampdex. {In his natural voice}) The men all know Jack 
Hampden too well to interfere with him. 

All. Hampden! 

Alice. {Asidc^ Hampden here 1 Oh, what does it mean ? 

Garvey. Yes, and they know Joe Garvey, too. 

Hampdex. What's this '^. {Seei?tg the candle that Marden 
still carries^ There's a spark still burning on that candle! 
Had that candle been put out by gas, there could have been 
no spark. 

Mardex. {Aside.) Curse it! {77iro7Vs do7vn candle.) 

Hampdex. There's some damned villany here! Alice, your 
father is not dead. Look, you, Marden, you are going with 
me down that shaft. I'll warrant we find him not far from 
where you left him. 

SiMPERTOX. {Aside.) There's going to be a row, soon. 

^Iardex. {Aside.) There's but one chance, and I'll take 
it. {Aloud.) Yes, I'll go down with you. 

Hampdex. {Aside to Garvev.) Joe, mind you, watch the 
shaft. 

Garvey. Joe Garvey'll look to that. Col. {They busy 
themselves in making ready to go doivn.) 



40 FbUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

Harden. (Aside.) And shall I stand by and see Alice 
marry my rival .? Never! Jack Hampden you shall rue the 
minute you enter yonder shaft, for it is your last of sunshine. 
Huntington and Hampden dead; and who shall stand be- 
tween me and Alice. Oh! you fool you to put yourself in my 
power. Yes, I'll go down the shaft with you and, with this 
little instrument, (picks' up candle) I'll light your funeral pile. 

Hampden. Come Harden, quick! Holdridge, let us down 
to the third level. (?Iampden and Marden get on cage as cage 
disappears?) Good bye, Alice. 

Alice. Goodbye! (Aside^ Heaven bless him. (Alice 
sinks on a seat.) 

HoLDBiDGE. (Stopping cage.) They're at the third level, 
and no signal. Perhaps all may yet be right. 

Alice. This suspense is killing me. 

Clara. All will yet be right, AUce; you are free of Har- 
den forever. 

SiMPERTON. I don't like this. I'll get away from here. 
(Exit Simper ton L. U. C.) 

Garvey. Darn me if I didn't know the mustangs meant 
something. 

Stocker. What can Harden be up to } 

Fairley. (To Stocker.) Let's get away from here. (Exit 
Stocker and Fairley at R. 2d E.) 

Spooner. If this isn't a curious country, Hengland never 
saw me. 

Garvey. Boys, I'll tell you what, if Hundngton comes up 
all right, I'll stand treat for a week. 

Hiner. Bully for you! We'll drink your health till we're 
bHnd drunk. 

Clara. Holdridge, won't you listen and tell us what you 
hear down the shaft. 

Holdridge. (Listening at sha/t.) There's a noise down 
there I never heard before. A kind of rushing — roaring 
sound. (Bell sounds very rapidly an alarm.) 

Holdridge. (Starting cage up.) The signal to bring up 
quick. 

Alice. Perhaps all is right. (Alice and Clara go towards 
shaft,) 

HiNERS. We'll have those drinks, Joe Garvey. 

Holdridge. Stand back ladies, or you'll be caught and 
killed. Now, then boys, look alive if he's here. Good 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 41 

heavens! {Cage comes up iviih Mar den on it; his clothes half 
burnt — some smoke comes up from shaft.) 

Harden. Sound the alarm there; the mine is afire and 
the timbers are burnins^. 

Garvey. Where's Jack Hampden, I say ? 

Harden. Hampden is lost in the mine. 

Alice. Father, Hampden, all — all! (Faints. Clara and 
Spooner support her. ) 

Garvey. Then you set it afire you infernal villain, and 
curse me if I don't hurl you into the blazing shaft* {Seizes 
Mar den — they struggle — some miners drag off Garvey, others 
sound the alar ?n bell.) Let me but get at him — hands off 1 
say! {Struggling ivith miners.) 

Clara. Can't something be done to save them .? 
{Moro smoke and considerable fire cofue through shaft opening .) 

Garvey. Don't you see the shaft's ablaze. It's useless 
to tr}' to descend. Is'nt there some other way to get down 
to the third level .? Speak men, life and death are in the bal- 
ance. 

Holdridge. By heaven ! there's the old prospecting in- 
cline. {Running and seizing crow bar, and aided by men, they 
tear off the board covering to opening under the old windlass at 
R. C.) 

Harden. {Aside.) Damnation! its the very incline Hunt- 
ington is imprisoned near. 

Holdridge. Quick! rig a bucket to engine. {The men 
rig bucket to hoisting rope.) Which of you boys'll go down } 
Come, my men. Who'll save Mr. Hampden } 

Harden. The timbering is removed; it'll be death to go 
down. {The men hang back.) 

Clara. Oh ! men, you won't let them die like this. Joe, 
you'll save him ? 

Garvey. I'm not a miner, but I've faced death 'afore for 
a friend. I'll go down, {fuftips into bucket.) Harden, if I 
come up alive and Jack Hampden dead, I'll kill you — ^you 
murderer. {Goes down in bucket.) 

Harden. Shall I cut the rope ^ {Aside, and going towards 
incline, with a knife in his hand.) 

Spooner. {Picking up croivbar and interposing.) Stand 
back! you blarsted villain, stand back, or I'll knock the top 
of your 'ead off. You infernal sneak, by heaven ! you fired 
the mine! 

Tablea V . { Music — End of Act ^d.) 



42 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

ACT IV. 

SCENE — Interior of Huntington' s mine — third level. For par- 
ticulars see frontispiece. Huntington imprisoned at B.; dur- 
ing scene Hampden enters at R. and comes along level C. C. 
Garvey comes down incline A. At first the scene is dark; in 
latter part calcium lights are used to illuminate the scene, their 
intensity being gradually increased to the end of Act. When 
the explosion takes place the pile of boulders is not only thrown 
down, but also the timbers of level, and rocks drop doivnfrom 
roof of level. 

Huntington. How long! how long, shall I be kept in 
this dark and lonely place, surrounded by treasures that serve 
but to mock me ! Will it be weeks or months ? Jasper Mar- 
den have you no heart? O, I am in his power; my daugh- 
ter his wife, and what can I do? O! Alice; Alice I cannot 
tell you the man you love and who is your hushand, is so 
black a villain. No; I will carry the injustice done me in 
my own heart, rather than break yours with my babbling 
tongue. Ah! even while I speak she may become his and I 
not there to prevent it — to stamp him liar and scoundrel! 
01 I shall go mad! I shall go mad! [Covers his face with 
his hands. Enter Hampden at R. along level with candle in 
his hand.) 

Hampden. I fixed that fellow Harden by cording him up. 
I'm sure that I'll find Huntington all right about here, for 
there's net a particle of foul air in the mine at this depth. I 
did not think the job would be such an easy one. It is a 
wonder that Harden did not make more of a fight. I 
thought he wasn't one of those to turn tail at the last ; must 
be a bad drop of blood in him somewhere. {Startmg and 
shuddering.) But what is that ? Can it be the chill air of 
the mine ? I feel a shudder even now like the ague running 
down my spine and entering every limb; and yet it seems 
familiar to me. I have felt it before. But where ? Ah! I 
have it now; yes, it is the same palsied feeling that possessed 
me when I was taken by the Comanches, and rescued from 
death at the stake, even after the fire was blazing round me. 
What can it portend ? What does it mean? Courage, Hamp- 
den; think of AHce and do your best. {Advances towards 
Huntington.) 

Huntington. {Starting up.) Hallo there! Have you 



FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 43 

come Jasper Alarden to gloat over the miseries of an un- 
happy old man ? 

Hampden. Is that you Huntington ? Thank God! 

Huntington. Is that you Hampden, come to dehver me ? 
Quick ! Break down this devilish partition ! This shall be 
the best day's work you ever did. Don't you see around you 
countless treasures f You shall share them with me. But 
how about my daughter, and that villain, Marden ? 

Hampden. That villain, Marden, is at the shaft end of 
this level, roped up pretty tightly, and waiting with impatience 
for our coming. Miss Alice is as well as could be expected, 
under the circumstances. 

Huntington. Then she is not married to that villian, 
thank God ! Thank God ! But come, I long to embrace my 
daughter. Come, Hampden, and liberate me. Break down 
the barricade. 

Hampden. What's on the other side of you ? 

Huntington. An immense mass of boulders and waste 
rock banked up to support the mine. 

Hampden. Yes, there's a pick that one of the men has 
left, a little way back. {S/eps lack and gets pick and attacks 
barricade. ) 

Huntington. Ah, this is happiness to see the light of day 
once more; to clasp Alice in my arms, and know that Mar- 
den has brought the ruin on himself that he designed for 
me and mine. 

Hampden. {^Detaching a large piece of timber^ Hunting- 
ton, can't you contrive to get through here t Curse me, if 
this isn't the hottest work I ever did. I'm all in a perspira- 
tion, though I have hardly done anything at all. 

Huntington. Do you know, Hampden, that it seems to 
me hotter now than I thought it before ; it must be on ac- 
count of my good spirits — Oh I am happy when I think of 
it — by George ! I can hardly contain myself. ( Trying to get 
through the hole.) No use, it is too small. 

Hampden. Well, here goes again. Why, what is the mat- 
ter — it seems to me there is foul air in the mine, {aside.) No, 
it's smoke. {Feels the wall of level.) By heavens, the hang- 
ing wall is quite hot. {Aloud.) Huntington, I must go and 
see if Marden doesn't know where there is an axe, so that I 
can work better. 

Huntington. All right. {Hampden runs along level and 



44 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

exit at R.) Well, if this is not the happiest day of my life. 
Wealth untold for myself and child, and an old age free from 
toil. [3fore smoke comes through the level; a noise of cave is 
heard, arid a faint glow is seen at R., on level.) Some of the 
timbers giving way, I suppose. The air seems stifling — why, 
it's full of smoke ! What can it mean ? I must try and get 
out and see. {Looks through the barricade.) Oh, God of 
heaven! The mine's on fire! {Tearing at the barricade wildly.) 
Oh, Hampden! Hampden! {Calling out.) Don't leave 
me to be burnt up in the mine. {Enter Hampden at R., the 
glow getting brighter in level.) 

Hampden. That villian's burnt himself loose, set fire to the 
mine and escaped ! The shaft is blazing now, and all hope 
of escape in that direction is cut off. If we can gain the 
cross cut, we may get to some other part of the mine and es- 
cape. Now, Huntington, for your life. {They tear down the 
barricade. The fire makes its appearance in level, and the tim- 
bers commence burning at R. The fire is also seen in the cross 
cut. Huntington and Hampden rush to cross cut. ) 

Huntington. O, heavens! The fire's in the cut! 

Hampden. You don't mean that. Lost ! Lost ! 

{Garvey is seen coming dowjt incline; he knocks some tim- 
bers down — timbers are also seen falling at R., and fire ap- 
proaching them.) 

Huntington. What's that noise } 

Garvey. Hallo, there! It's I, Joe Garvey, come down in 
a bucket. {Looks through pile of boulders and waste rock.) 

Hampden. We are here, Joe. Huntington and I. 

Garvey. Then you're alive, thank God ! 

Huntington. We are no better than dead; we have not 
five minutes to live. 

Garvey. {Tearing wildly at boulders.) Oh, heaven! You 
don't mean to say that I can't get through, that I can't get 
you out \ 

Hampden. A thousand men couldn't get us out. Don't 
stay here Joe to see us burn up. Don't stay here to hear 
our screams of agony. {The fire is seen approaching from R.) 

Huntington. Gi^ve my dying love and blessing to my 
daughter. O! I have made Harden the guardian of my 
child. 

Garvey. Curse him ! Curse him ! O, Jack, my friend, to 



FOUXD THE TRUE VEIN. 45 

see you burning before my very eyes and not able to save 
you. I'd sooner die myself. 

Hampden. Tell Alice I died loving only her, and though 
I could not save her father I perished with him. O, Joe, I 
burn! I burn! 

Huntington. Go, Garvey go! and save my child from 
that fiend's clutches. (Fire is seen at L. of Garvey^ 

Hampden. Joe, don't stay here I tell you. Don't stay 
here and see me burnt alive. 

Garvey. O, it's so hot here. I can't stop and see you 
die. Good bye! God bless you Jack. Heaven help you, I 
can't. (Shakes I'ope and goes up incline six or eight feet ^ 

Hampden. O, heavens! To die thus! (A sowid of small 
explosion is heard.) 

Huntington. The magazine ! The magazine on fire be- 
low us. {Hampden draws Huntignton into cross cut. The 
magazine explodes and throws timbers and rocks about, and the 
boulders and ivaste rocks that separate them from Garvey 
down — Garvey comes down inclirie again ^ 

Hampden. The barricade's down. 

Garvey. Are you blown to death, Jack 1 

Hampden. Not to death, but to Hfe! 

Huntington. Saved! Saved! (Falls insensible. Hamp- 
den takes Huntington in his ar?ns and springs over to Garvey 
— red fire is lighted. ) 

Garvey. Thank God ! Thank God ! ( They put Hunting- 
ton in bucket and get in the?Jiselves, and Garvey shakes rope and 
they go up incline. Red fire is lighted up incline^ This is red 
hot! This day's work begun, but not ended, Jasper Marden. 
(Another small explosion talies place, and the whole mine appears 
a sea of fire ^ 

(Music — End of Act Fourth.) 



act v. 

SCENE — A canon in the Sierras — moonlight; path practicable 
from Z. 3^ E; rocks back and sides of stage. Enter Mar- 
den at L. 2,d E.; comes staggering dojvn path; his clothes are 
torn his whole appearance dilapidated; he totters across stage 



46 FOUND THE TRUE VEIN. 

io R. C. and sinks down in an uneasy slumber; the moonlight 
is thrown on his face. The scene at back of stage breaks 
open, disclosing illuminated tableau. Hampden and Alice be- 
fore marriage altar at C; minister at back; Huntington at 
R. and Clara and Spooner at L.; Spooner looking at Clara 
in a very interested manner. Enter Garvey armed, at L. '^d 
E.; he sees Marden and makes a signal; then comes down to 
L. G. of stage. Marden wakes up and seeing Garvey makes 
sign of resistance. Garvey inakes another signal. Miners 
around start from behind rocks at R. and L. of stage, form- 
ing tableau. Marden staggers to C. of stage. Miners cover 
Marden with their guns; Marden sinks down in despair at 
C. in full light of marriage tableau. Appropriate music all 
through Act. 

THE END. 



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